Texas Road Laws: Your Essential Guide

Why Texas Road Laws Matter

Texas has more miles of public road than any other state—over 300,000 miles. From the crowded lanes of I-35 through Austin to the rural highways near El Paso, Texas drivers encounter every type of traffic condition imaginable.

Road laws exist not just to avoid tickets, but to:

Prevent crashes and protect lives
Reduce disputes over fault in collisions
Keep traffic flowing safely in high-congestion areas
Establish clear expectations for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists

When a driver ignores these laws, the consequences can be devastating. In 2023, over 4,000 people were killed in traffic accidents in Texas, and thousands more suffered serious injuries. Violations such as speeding, failing to yield, or driving under the influence were leading contributors.

If you’re injured in a crash caused by someone breaking the law, those violations can serve as critical evidence of negligence in your injury claim.

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Speed Limits and Safe Driving in Texas

Speeding is the number one factor in Texas traffic deaths. While speed limits vary by roadway:

Urban districts: typically 30 mph
Highways outside urban areas: 70–75 mph
Certain rural toll roads: up to 85 mph (the highest in the U.S.)

But “reasonable and prudent speed” laws mean you can still be cited even if you’re under the posted limit. For example:

Driving 70 mph in heavy rain could still be “unsafe for conditions.”
Construction zones often require much lower speeds, and fines can double.

Legal impact: If a driver was speeding and caused your crash, that violation may be used as evidence of negligence.

Right-of-Way Basics: Avoiding Common Collisions

Failure to yield is another leading cause of accidents, especially at intersections. Texas rules include:

Stop signs/four-way stops: First vehicle to arrive goes first. If two arrive at once, yield to the vehicle on your right.
Left turns: Yield to oncoming traffic.
Pedestrians: Always yield in marked and unmarked crosswalks.
Merging: Drivers entering a highway must yield to traffic already on it.
Emergency vehicles: You must pull to the right and stop when lights and sirens are on.

Example: If a driver blows through a stop sign and strikes your vehicle, that clear violation can strengthen your claim against them.

Seat Belts and Child Safety Seat Laws

Texas has a primary seat belt law—meaning you can be pulled over just for not wearing one. Everyone in the car must buckle up.

Child safety laws:

Children under 8 must ride in an appropriate safety seat unless they are at least 4’9” tall.
Fines can reach $250 for violations.
More importantly, proper child restraints drastically reduce serious injuries in crashes.

Practical tip: After a crash, always replace child safety seats—even if no visible damage. Insurers often reimburse these costs.

Distracted Driving: Texting Is Illegal

Since 2017, texting while driving has been banned statewide. Many cities, like Austin and San Antonio, go further by banning all hand-held phone use.

Distracted driving includes:

Texting
Using GPS while moving
Eating or adjusting infotainment systems
Reaching for objects

Impact on claims: If phone records show a driver was texting when they hit you, that evidence can be powerful in proving negligence.

DUI/DWI in Texas: Strict Consequences

Driving while intoxicated is one of the most serious violations under Texas law.

Adults: 0.08% BAC limit
Commercial drivers: 0.04% BAC limit
Under 21: Zero tolerance

Penalties escalate with prior convictions and can include jail time, license suspension, and thousands in fines.

From a personal injury perspective, if a drunk driver caused your accident, you may be entitled to punitive damages in addition to compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Rules for Motorcyclists and Cyclists

Motorcyclists must wear helmets unless exempt (over 21 with insurance/training).
Lane splitting is not explicitly allowed under Texas law.
Cyclists have the same rights as motorists; drivers must give safe passing clearance.

Accidents involving motorcycles and bicycles often cause severe injuries, so knowing these rules is vital both for prevention and for determining liability.

What To Do After a Crash in Texas

Even if you know the rules, other drivers may not follow them. After a crash:

Call 911 and ensure safety.
Seek medical care immediately—your health comes first, and records tie injuries to the crash.
Report the accident to police. The report can become key evidence.
Document the scene with photos of vehicles, skid marks, and traffic controls.
Exchange info with drivers and witnesses.
Avoid insurer statements until you’ve spoken with a lawyer.
Contact a personal injury attorney—early action preserves evidence like black box data and surveillance footage.

Injured in a Texas crash? Call Zinda Law Group at 800-863-5312 for a free consultation.

How Violations Affect Injury Claims

When another driver breaks a road law and causes an accident, their violation may be used to establish negligence. Examples:

A speeding ticket after a rear-end crash
Failure-to-yield citation at a left-turn collision
DUI arrest following a head-on collision

Even if no ticket is issued, other evidence (witnesses, dashcam footage, black box data) can prove negligence.

Compensation After a Texas Crash

Victims of accidents caused by negligent drivers may pursue:

Medical expenses (hospital bills, therapy, prescriptions)
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Property damage (vehicle repairs or replacement)
Pain and suffering
Wrongful death damages (for surviving families)

An attorney can calculate both economic and non-economic damages to ensure insurers don’t undervalue your claim.

FAQs: Texas Road Laws

What are the basic driving laws in Texas?

Obey posted speed limits, yield right-of-way, wear seat belts, use child safety seats, avoid distractions, and never drive impaired.
Do traffic tickets automatically prove fault in a crash?

Not automatically, but they are strong evidence. A citation for speeding or running a stop sign can support your injury claim.
Can I sue if I was partly at fault?

Yes. Under Texas comparative negligence law, you can recover damages if you were less than 51% at fault, but your compensation may be reduced.
How do seat belt violations affect claims?

Texas follows a “seat belt defense.” If you weren’t wearing a seat belt, insurers may argue your injuries were worsened, which could reduce damages.
How long do I have to file a claim after a Texas crash?

Typically, two years from the accident date. Some cases (e.g., involving government vehicles) have shorter deadlines.

Contact Zinda Law Group | Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Texas crash, the attorneys at Zinda Law Group can help. We’ll investigate, preserve evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call 800-863-5312 today for a free consultation with a Texas personal injury lawyer. No win, no fee.